Baltimore Rang In 2011 With A Spectacular New Year’s Eve

The Ports America Chesapeake New Year’s Eve Spectacular was bigger and better than ever. Revelers welcomed 2011 at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with music, food, fun and fireworks. But just in case you missed any of the celebration, here’s a recap.

Vic Carter and Mary Bubala spoke with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake about her resolutions—both personal and for the city of Baltimore.

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Well, 2011 is not just a new year—it’s a new decade. So, what kind of goals are people making for year 2011?

Kelly McPherson caught up with people making their resolutions. Here are some of them:

“My New Year’s resolution is to be a better person and lose some weight.”

“A new job, maybe. That sounds great.”

“Maybe another 10 pounds.”

“Study harder. . . . I’m in eighth right now.”

“Exercise more and spend less money.”

“I would start helping my mom clean up around the house and wash dishes.”

“My girlfriend is probably going to laugh at me, but I really need to get into shape.”

“To finish up school and to get a good job.”

“Be nicer to my parents.”

“To be nicer to my friends.”

“If my daughters see this they’re going to want me to say that I will finally quick smoking. . . . Will I do it? Yes. I’ve owed it to them for a long time.”

“Oh just to take care of my family more and to be around more for them.”

“I think I need to see my friends again because we have small children and we never see anybody anymore, so if you’re out there and you’re my friend, I’ll see you soon!”

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Police Commissioner Fred Bealefeld of the Baltimore City Police Department stopped by to report good news about 2010 homicide rates in the city, and what the force plans to do to make 2011 safer.

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Hundreds of people braved chilly temperatures to countdown the New Year at the Inner Harbor.

Gigi Barnett talked with some revelers from near and far.

One family traveled all the way from sunny St. Thomas to spend New Year’s Eve in breezy Baltimore.

“I used farms that I support all the time,” said 13.5% Wine Bar Chef Sarah Acconcia. “It’s not really anything strange and out of the ordinary; it’s just a little more complicated, a little fancier.”

Thousands of Marylanders are ringing in 2011 at a locally-owned restaurant with a dressed up menu.

“The goal at 13.5 is always to make wine approachable, comfortable— education is optional, just make it fun,” said Keck.

In Fells Point, Slainte is giving customers a peek at what next year’s menu may look like.

“With the new changes in the menu and the cuisine here we’re going to upscale it a little bit,” said Bill Crouse, Slainte’s executive chef. “And I think 2011 is going to be exciting for this place.”

Like a gourmet take on pork and beans, which tasted like savory bacon, but better.

If you wish to celebrate on the New Year’s Day, look for continued special treatment at brunch.

“Normally, we have a big brunch on Saturday and Sunday so this brunch is going to be different for me because I’m going to be here bright and early to crack open the door and I’m just going to feed whoever–come down, greet them, wish them a happy New Year,” Crouse said.

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The Ports America New Year’s Eve Spectacular turned out to be a great night. Here’s another look at the fireworks that went off at midnight.